Chapter 1 – Boardroom Dynamics Flashcards
(10 cards)
What shift has occurred in the focus of governance?
From structure and compliance to behaviour, relationships, and boardroom culture.
What do recent organisational failures like Carillion and BHS demonstrate?
That rules and structure alone are insufficient; failures often stem from groupthink, deference, poor challenge, and dominant leaders.
What are some key human factors now of interest in governance?
Tone from the top, leadership behaviour, trust, communication, inclusion, courage, power, wellbeing, succession, and human capital.
How is leadership on Boards changing?
Boards now value relational leadership that builds trust and facilitates open discussion, not just procedural or technical skills.
How are ethics and purpose now influencing governance?
Boards are expected to align decisions with organisational purpose, values, ethics, ESG and wider stakeholder needs.
What does a maturing view of governance look like?
A focus on behaviour and culture alongside rules — moving beyond tick-box compliance.
What alternative governance theories are emerging beyond agency theory?
Stewardship theory, stakeholder theory, behavioural theory, and psychological theory.
What are boardroom dynamics?
The interpersonal and psychological interactions that shape who speaks, who listens, how trust is built, and the effectiveness of decision-making.
How is the Company Secretary’s role evolving in board dynamics?
From procedural technician to behavioural observer and advisor, supporting cohesion and monitoring conduct.
What memory aid summarises the themes of Chapter 1?
G-O-V-E-R-N-F-I-T — Governance, Organisational failure, Value of human capital, Ethics, Relational leadership, New models, Failure, Interactions, Team role of CoSec.
